Icewater Springs Shelter

[cowpoke]

A friend of mine said that Icewater Springs shelter is only for thru-hikers...is that true? I can't find any info that states that...appreciate any help...cheers.

[Lone Wolf]

absolutely not

[cowpoke]

Thanks LW....cheers.

[kayak karl]

i was there in '09. i was the only thru out of 12

[TallShark]

last spring there were sectioners staying there, quite a few i might add.

[HooKooDooKu]

Anyone is allowed to use shelters in the GSMNP, you just have to have a reservation at ALL shelters and for many of the "rationed" camp sites.

However, the reservation rules are a little different for thru-hikers. So what someone MIGHT say is that only thru-hikers are allowed at shelters "without a reservation"... but that goes for all shelters, not just Icewater Springs.

[SassyWindsor]

Has to be one of the most used shelters on the AT.

[ken209]

A friend of mine said that Icewater Springs shelter is only for thru-hikers...is that true? I can't find any info that states that...appreciate any help...cheers.

Back in the late 80's a sign was posted on the shelter " for thru hikers only" I guess because it was a garbage dump.

[Blissful]

Just get a reservation and its your space too

[Roche]

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisi...ry-camping.htm

[ChinMusic]

Has to be one of the most used shelters on the AT.

Easy distance from the road, you bet. It looked like a nice place to stop but I just had lunch there and moved on to Pecks.

[kayak karl]

http://image68.webshots.com/468/3/53...6CxClpQ_fs.jpg

[Ox97GaMe]

Icewater Springs shelter is the most used shelter in the park. Relatively easy 3 mile hike from the busiest parking lot in the park. People can get reservations and drop off their packs, then go over to Charlies Bunyon or the Jumpoff.

[LoneRidgeRunner]

A friend of mine said that Icewater Springs shelter is only for thru-hikers...is that true? I can't find any info that states that...appreciate any help...cheers.

I read that somewhere also but apparently it may have been out dated material...
I am planning a section hike thru the Smokies sometime in March and was planning to jump off at NFG and hit Gatlinburg for resupply and 1 night r&r but due to the fact that I can't be 100% certain of 441 being open in March (It's often closed for bad weather which can happen in March) I've decided to skip the Gatlingurg r&r and just hike straight thru and skip by Icewater ..just means I gotta carry all my food from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap...but will save a day by not going to Gatlinburg ( and money)

[sliderule]

Anyone is allowed to use shelters in the GSMNP, you just have to have a reservation at ALL shelters and for many of the "rationed" camp sites.

How about all rationed campsites? (What do you think "rationed" means?)

However, the reservation rules are a little different for thru-hikers. So what someone MIGHT say is that only thru-hikers are allowed at shelters "without a reservation"... but that goes for all shelters, not just Icewater Springs.

It doesn't "go" for all shelters, just shelters on the AT.

Back in the late 80's a sign was posted on the shelter " for thru hikers only" I guess because it was a garbage dump.

Probably because a thru hiker put up the sign.

[WingedMonkey]

It doesn't "go" for all shelters, just shelters on the AT.

From GSMNP website.

The park requires that you stay at designated campsites and shelters while camping in the backcountry.

Advance reservations are required to camp at the following sites:
• All shelters
• Backcountry Campsites 9, 10, 13, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 29, 36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 50, 55, 57, 60, 61, 71, 83, 86, 90, 113

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisi...ry-camping.htm

[sliderule]

From GSMNP website.

The park requires that you stay at designated campsites and shelters while camping in the backcountry.

Advance reservations are required to camp at the following sites:
• All shelters
• Backcountry Campsites 9, 10, 13, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 29, 36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 50, 55, 57, 60, 61, 71, 83, 86, 90, 113

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisi...ry-camping.htm

The "published" rules do not address the special exemptions for thru hikers, which apply only to sites on the AT. Said exemptions do not apply to the non-AT shelters.

[TallShark]

^ I'm confused now

[Gray Blazer]

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/DSC00080a.jpg

Thrubees Keep Walkin'!

[Gray Blazer]

The mice are the only ones guaranteed a spot.